Blackburn Rovers will be shuddering at big Burnley news as Ashley Barnes has signed a new one-year contract with the Clarets, extending his stay at Turf Moor. The veteran striker is no longer guaranteed to start every week, but his experience, leadership, and understanding of what the derby means continue to make him an important figure around the squad. Throughout his career, Barnes has developed an outstanding record against Rovers, scoring four goals in his seven appearances, while also winning five of those clashes. He has only scored more against Millwall (five) and Southampton (seven), but they came in 11 and 14 appearances respectively. Few players have consistently enjoyed themselves in this fixture quite like Barnes, who has repeatedly found a way to make life difficult for Blackburn's defence regardless of the wider context surrounding either club. The rivalry has become an increasingly familiar one in recent years as the two clubs have frequently found themselves competing in the same division. Burnley's stint in the Premier League prevented it until recently, but the four clashes since 2017 have seen them win three and draw one against Blackburn Rovers. The most recent relegation from the Premier League means another pair of East Lancashire derbies awaits in the Championship during the 2026/27 season, with both clubs harbouring ambitions of challenging towards the top end of the table. That should make for two fascinating encounters, but there is one recent development that Blackburn supporters may not have welcomed ahead of the games in November and February. For Blackburn, however, Barnes' new deal represents something else entirely. The 36-year-old will take up a coaching role with the club at the end of the year. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 20th in Championship, 52 pts, 13W-13D-20L from 46 games, recent form LWDLD. Goals this season: 42 scored, 56 conceded (-14 goal difference). Title race: 43 points behind leaders Coventry.